Parents are the ultimate experts on their children, yet they are rarely consulted about the education policies that impact their children’s lives. So PAVE steps in, empowering DC parents to engage in the policymaking process and demand great schools for every child. Trained parent leaders serve on Ward-based and city-wide Parent Leader in Education Boards, meet with elected officials, mobilize other parents, and build targeted campaigns. PAVE equips them with information and resources, and also partners directly with schools, state agencies, and policymakers to improve their family engagement practices. Here’s how it comes together: in 2018, PAVE parents identified out-of-school programming as a top priority. Their activism resulted in a $10.5 million budget increase to support these activities – a huge win for DC families. We need more wins to secure what we all want –excellent schools for all.
COVID-19 Update:
At PAVE's June 2019 Parent Policy Summit, parent leaders voted to emphasize mental health supports and trauma-informed training, as well as specialized school programs as its core advocacy issues for the upcoming year. As part of their advocacy campaign, they produced two Statements of Beliefs—one on each issue.
When schools closed in March, parents immediately wrote a "Statement of Beliefs on a Family-Centered Response to Coronavirus in DC," which was published in April and had a significant impact on DC's response and recovery planning. It has continued to serve as a resource on the best COVID-19 response websites, distance learning and learning from home resources, options for children with special needs, information and best practices for stress and coping, mental wellness resources, information on food, health, and internet access, and even direct support for families in need.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 1
Where They Operate: DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 4; DC-Ward 5; DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8
Age Groups Served: Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)
Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students
Schools They Work In: Anacostia High School; Ballou Senior High School; Capital City PCS; Capital Village PCS; DC Prep PCS; Eliot-Hines Middle School; Girls Global Academy PCS; I Dream PCS, Ingenuity Prep PCS; Maya Angelou PCS – High School; Meridian PCS; Rocketship Public Schools; SEED PCS; Sela PCS; The Social Justice School; The Sojourner Truth School; Washington Latin PCS
Awards & Recognition
n/a
Press
- Analysis: Amid the Chaos of Coronavirus, Parent Power (and Parent Organizing) Have Never Been More Important. It's Time for Education Funders to Show Them the Money
Tue Apr 28 2020, The 74
School closures, lost jobs and social distancing guidelines have left gaps in key services that parent organizing groups are now filling in.
Budget (FY0)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
About the Catalogue for Philanthropy
Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.
The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!